Rotherham Care Home Celebrate International Friendship Day
With International Friendship Day coming up (July 30th) Orchard Care Homes has found its own British version of the Golden Girls living their best lives at Cherry Trees Care Home in Rotherham!
The United Nations designated July 30th to be International Friendship Day, to promote friendship between people, countries, cultures and individuals, with the aim of inspiring peace efforts and building bridges between communities.
Cherry Trees Care Home, part of the Orchard Care Homes group, is delighted to join in this global celebration. Orchard operates 23 care homes across the Midlands and the north of England, with a steadfast commitment to providing personalised care tailored to each resident.
At Cherry Trees, the celebration of International Friendship Day is a testament to Orchard’s mission of nurturing genuine connections. This is beautifully exemplified by the “British Golden Girls” – Sheila Hutton, 87; Christine Pollard, 76; Pamela Barraclough, 81; and Doreen Wilson, 92. These four remarkable women have formed a close-knit friendship since moving to Cherry Trees within the past year.
Before arriving at Cherry Trees, the quartet had never met. However, they quickly bonded over shared hobbies, a similar sense of humour, and a positive outlook on life.
Sheila recalls: “We just started talking and having a laugh!” Doreen adds: “We were chatting in each other’s rooms. Sheila pops next door to mine for a drink often, and we’ve made more friends over the months.”
The foursome enjoys sharing meals and the occasional tipple in each other’s rooms! They spend quality time watching classic movies together in the lounge and engaging in mutual hobbies like knitting and gardening.
Sheila explains: “I feel more at home having friends here. I don’t feel lonely because I always have someone to share things with. We even go out on shopping trips together.”
Christine highlights the emotional support within the group, saying: “I feel really close to everyone, like I’ve known them for years. I was quite frightened at first coming into a care home, but making friends has helped me feel much happier. I can talk about my fears, and they listen and offer advice.”
Pamela concludes: “It makes me feel really happy and comfortable to have such lovely friends.”
